Riverview Cemetery gatehouse stays

Historic structure rehabilitation to begin

Historic structure rehabilitation to begin

September 21, 2006|By JAMIE LOO Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND — The Riverview Cemetery Gatehouse is saved for now. Todd Zeiger, director of the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, said the group reached an agreement with the owners of the cemetery, Alderwoods Group, to temporarily preserve the structure. Earlier this year, the gatehouse was in danger of being demolished. Alderwoods will retain ownership of the building while HLFI performs structural maintenance to areas such as the roof. Alderwoods is paying about $45,000 for the renovations. Zeiger said this will maintain the gatehouse until a use is found for it. The Romanesque-style gatehouse designed by architect Claude K. Howell is believed to have been built about the time Riverview Cemetery opened in 1900. The granite masonry is constructed similar to other stone buildings in South Bend such as Tippecanoe, Copshaholm and the Birdsell House. Riverview Cemetery was previously owned by Oak Enterprises Loewen Group. Under that ownership, the gatehouse was designated a local historic landmark on Oct. 23, 2000. The cemetery and the gatehouse are now owned by Canadian-based Alderwoods Group. The company is the second-largest owner of funeral homes and cemeteries in North America. Staff writer Jamie Loo: jloo@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6337